RE: Embedded St. Louis County Social Worker in the Duluth Police Department Program

Transcription

1 Nominee: City of Duluth Police Department (nominated by St. Louis County) St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle Chair of the Public Health and Human Services Committee with the support of the St. Louis County Board, would like to nominate the Duluth Police Department for the MCPA Excellence in Innovation Award to recognize the collaborative effort to embed a St. Louis County social worker into the City of Duluth s Police Department to help handle mental health-related calls for service. RE: Embedded St. Louis County Social Worker in the Duluth Police Department Program The City of Duluth s Police Department and St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services worked together to develop a program in which a county social worker would be embedded in the city police department to assist officers with chronic offenders, repeat calls for service, individuals with mental health issues and/or those in crisis. The purpose of the program is to: improve police response, decrease police calls related to mental illness, decrease criminal charges, reduce jail and emergency room admissions, stabilize housing situations and lessen homelessness. position St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) to respond to legislation that is being proposed that would provide grants to counties for the purpose of diversion from jail and reintegration (out of jail) planning for those suffering from mental illness enabling PHHS to provide valuable information as to what is successful. provide a model that could work with other municipal police departments or the St. Louis County Sheriff s Office. The mission of the embedded social worker is to collaborate with police to provide resources and partnerships for the well-being of individuals, families and the community. Working with police officers, the social worker identifies individuals, families, and groups of people who are in need of services to lead a more successful life within the community of Duluth. Once determined, the embedded social worker acts as a liaison with the individuals and the existing services in the community where applicable. If there are no existing services available, the embedded social worker determines an appropriate course of action. (1) Level of Innovation The mission of the Duluth Police Department (DPD) is to provide the highest level of service through partnerships and problem solving in a professional, ethical, and timely manner. By partnering with St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services department, DPD is able to more quickly connect individuals especially those with mental illness to the most appropriate resources and services available to them, lessening the chances of police involvement in the future. The county social worker serves as an extension of the Duluth Police Department with the goal of improving response interactions by assisting with de-escalating situations to reduce the use of force and avoid criminalizing the mentally ill. Supporting the Duluth Police Department in this capacity is aligned with St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services department s mission to protect, promote and improve the health and 1

2 quality of life in St. Louis County. Not only do both governmental agencies benefit from the coordinated efforts, but ultimately, the community gets the benefit of seeing resources being directed where they are needed most. (2) Effectiveness The embedded social worker has been tracking the following information in order to measure the impact of the program in its first six months (from July 2015-December 2015): A) Number of short-term management cases 14 short-term management cases in the last six months Why this measure? The number of short-term management cases the social worker is involved in could be indicative of the number of individuals who might have needed multiple calls for service of law enforcement (had they not been a referral for ongoing case management). Any savings resulting from this work? There are savings for the DPD due to fewer calls for service. In addition, the social worker is assisting with case management duties that fall on PHHS. B) Number of calls in field with DPD that were behavioral health or mental illness-related. Approximately 75 face-to-face interactions with individuals with mental illness Why this measure? The number of calls in the field the social worker is involved in provides a measure of approximately the number of individuals who had an increased level of law enforcement service which could include (but not limited to) connecting individuals to financial and/or employment services, not having to use force, or assisting with getting the individual in for an evaluation/assessment. Any savings resulting from this work? De-escalating situations through the use of the social worker/law enforcement partnership not only prevents the individual with mental illness from being criminalized, but also prevents the necessity for law enforcement to dedicate additional resources to the scene, saving time and money. C) Training Completion of the following training: CIT Training Responding to Alzheimer s disease Vigilant Guard exercise Why this measure? Tracking the training of the embedded social worker may provide guidance to other entities wanting to replicate this program. Any savings resulting from this work? The training the embedded social worker receives has the intention of a) giving her tools to make her as safe as possible when out in the field with an officer and b) making her as comfortable as possible responding to a plethora of situations related to behavioral and mental health. Improving the embedded social worker s ability to de-escalate a situation saves law enforcement resources (by not having to dedicate additional personnel to a particular situation), saving time and money. 2

3 D) Involvement with Community Partners Community involvement includes: Weekly mental health unit meeting (with other case managers) CHUM Adult Protection Hospitals Community Court Mental Health Court DPD COMPSTAT meeting (to discuss problematic people/areas) Why this measure? Making note of the embedded social worker s involvement in the community provides other entities wanting to replicate this program an idea of what type of relationship building could be beneficial. Any savings resulting from this work? Developing connections with community organizations not only enables the embedded social worker to quickly align resources with the needs of individuals, but also enables the social worker to serve as a go to person for law enforcement. This saves time the officer otherwise would spend a) determining what services are most appropriate and b) making calls to get the individual connected to such services. Anecdotal stories of impact In addition to these measures being tracked, the individual stories of impact are a meaningful way to track the impact of this position. St. Louis County embedded Social Worker Ona Filipovich and Duluth Police Officer Angela Robertson worked together to record specific stories of how the program has specifically made an impact in the community. Because of the partnership between St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) and the Duluth Police Department, situations involving individuals with mental illness were often de-escalated, enabling the social worker and law enforcement to work together to quickly connect individuals with the appropriate services. The social worker-police officer team acted as a traveling onestop shop to match community resources with individual needs. On several occasions, accompanied by the social worker, law enforcement did not need to use force with the individual with mental health issues. And at times, some individuals seemed more comfortable talking with the social worker than law enforcement. Working as a team, the social worker and police officer were often successful in convincing individuals to accept help whether it resulted in going in for an evaluation, getting medications assessed, or exploring eligibility for mental health services. Organizations like the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), the Duluth WorkForce Center and the (Duluth Area) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have outwardly expressed their gratitude for the partnership. In one situation, a referral call from AICHO, resulted in an individual with mental illness going in for an evaluation, and her children being placed with family and a crisis shelter. AICHO staff praised the officer s and social worker s ability to get the individual in for an evaluation, and take the time to place the children, providing assistance until no further assistance was needed. 3

4 The partnership between the Duluth Police Department and Public Health and Human Services has significantly improved the communication between the entities. The embedded social worker and police officer visited an individual who generates several police calls (related to the person s behavior); the social worker identified the services the individual had in place, worked with case managers to place the individual in different housing that could better assist his/her needs, and relayed the information to law enforcement. (3) Ability to Replicate One of the primary goals of the embedded social worker program is to provide a model that could work with other municipal police departments or the St. Louis County Sheriff s Office. A position description, outline of specific duties and responsibilities and a quick reference guide (for police officers) were developed for the program, which can serve as a starting point for other entities wanting to build a similar program. Below is a high-level process diagram, along with documents that may help other entities replicate the program between the Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County s Public Health and Human Services department: Entities meet to discuss desired outcomes; get formal approval by St. Louis County Board to proceed Position description and joint interview process established Program purpose communicated to agencies and surrounding community organizations Program measureables (for evaluation) defined and tracked Social Worker Position Description I. MINNESOTA MERIT SYSTEM - POSITION DESCRIPTION Submit three copies of completed position description to Merit System. Two will be returned with allocation noted. The returned copies, one for the agency and one for the employee, are the official notice of allocation. Make NO Entries Here Allocation Date By Employee's Name: Appraisal Period: 4 (position description continued on next page)

5 / / to / / Agency: St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Division/Unit: Adult Division/Adult Mental Health Current Classification Title: social worker Prepared by: Linda Curran Previous Incumbent: Employee's Signature (This position description reflects my current job) Date: / / Supervisor's Signature: (This position description reflects the employee's current job) Date: / / Agency Director's Signature (I have reviewed this position description) Date: / / Position Purpose: A pilot to embed a social worker within the Duluth Police Department to better respond to individuals with mental illness. The goals include improving police response, reduced jail and hospital admissions, reduced emergency room visits, and intervention outcomes that enhance stability for the individual. (continued on next page) Reportability: Reports to: Linda Curran, Supervisor Adult Mental Health Unit Supervises: None Dimensions: Budget: grant Clientele: persons with mental illness (position description continued on next page) 5

6 II. Employee's Name: Discretion % Time Priority Principal Responsibilities, Tasks and Performance Indicators. If more space is necessary attach copies of this sheet 80% 20% A B Mental Health social worker in Linda Curran s AMH Unit to pilot a model of embedding a social worker within law enforcement in order to better respond to individuals in the community with mental illness. The person should have good clinical skills and knowledge of mental health services. The person must be able to work independently, think critically, communicate clearly and make appropriate decisions in mental health crisis situations. This is an innovative opportunity for the right person to be part of developing a new program. ~Participate in CIT (crisis intervention training) to learn a common language with law enforcement. ~Work side by side with community DPD officers to assist with calls in the community when call is in regard to a mentally ill person. ~Follow up with people needing services and assist with appropriate resources and information. ~Act as a liaison for DPD and Adult Mental Health Unit along with other Mental Health agencies, i.e.: homeless project, crisis stabilization (Birch Tree Center), emergency room personnel, Crisis Response Team, Adult Protection Team, Mental Health Unit, and other providers. ~Have a comfort level and skill set in de-escalating and intervening with mentally ill people in the community who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Time in Adult Mental Health Unit at GSC for paperwork, consulting, staffing, and other St. Louis County expected job duties. Will work closely with supervisor and DPD to develop and pilot new position. ~Attend weekly Unit meeting ~Attend workshops, conferences, training sessions, and other required meetings to perform job duties. ~Determine need for services, make referrals, and complete applicable social service paperwork ~Provide customer service which maintains the integrity and culture of PHHS. ~Communicate effectively with co-workers, DPD, providers, and community members. (position description continued on next page) 6

7 Employee's Name Case Manager Duluth Adult Mental Health Unit Machines or equipment used regularly in this position: computer, scanner, driver s license, cell phone, ipad, fax Freedom to act and problem solving: See above Who reviews your work? Linda Curran, Supervisor Knowledge, skills and abilities: See above. Must have mental health experience and comfort working in the community. Must be able to communicate clearly, know mental health resources, and interact professionally with colleagues and customers. Must be willing to work with police officers in the field. Must also have ability to flex hours to meet needs of DPD. (TO BE COMPLETED BY IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR) Typing is: x_essential incidental to this position and requires 20 % of employee's time Shorthand is: essential incidental to this position and requires % of employee's time Employee's comments: N/A new position Supervisor's comments: N/A new position Outline of Social Worker s Specific Duties and Responsibilities Respond to calls for services with a uniformed Officer where applicable and assist once the scene is stabilized Assess all individuals involved and provide mediation and/or separation if needed. Develop service plans and coordinate with agencies in the community Refer to other agencies whenever possible and provide interim services/support until said agency has accepted or begun services to the individual Monitor/Track individual progress through ongoing contact/communication Assist individuals with finding basic living necessities such as shelter, food and clothing Assist ineligible individuals access/procure services which were initially denied ie, advocate on the individual s behalf. Provide case management with individuals not connected to services and short term crisis intervention Support individuals through court process ie, victims, vulnerable adults, those with mental health issues Assist families by coordinating services and speaking to all individual agencies who are involved with the family Return to problem homes/addresses of excessive calls for service to conduct follow up and preventative maintenance to deter any future calls for service; on-going needs assessment to provide information and/or resources Be available to act as a buffer/liaison between Officers and individuals who will not speak to Officers Serve as a liaison for the Duluth Police Department and other agencies in the community Contribute to department trainings where applicable to enhance understanding and cooperation of roles/positions within the department, attend on-going training to strengthen the partnership between Social Work and Police Work Assist Officers with special populations of people ie, frequent callers, individuals with mental health issues, homeless, chronic offenders 7

8 Provide department crisis debriefing and work with Peer Support where applicable; highly emotional situations ie, traumatic situations, serious injury, death, suicide of a co-worker, natural disaster Participate in CIT, CIG and Mental Health Court to gain a better understanding of the people Officers encounter most frequently. Attend CIT, CIG and Mental Health Court to better understand the needs of the community and community collaborations Keep updated on information in the Daily Bulletin as well as Comp stat details Utilize Police Record System to perform essential job functions Follow-up on cases of acute psychosis where individuals threaten self-harm Note: The embedded social worker responds to calls for service when she is on duty, adjusting her hours as necessary in order to serve as a valuable resource. Quick Reference Guide for Police Department Pocket Card Embedded Social Worker *Currently experiencing symptoms related to mental health? (Hallucinations, Delusions, Mania, etc.) *Diagnosed with a mental illness? *Currently taking medication or refusing to take medication? *Working with anyone? If so, who, what agency? What services are they receiving? *Get alternate contact info for family or friend *Where was the individual transported? Examples of when to call or refer: Send CAL referral to RFSW *Mental Health Crisis *Suicide Attempts and/or Completion *Death Notifications *Mass Casualties *Hoarding *Addiction *Civil Commit *High Levels of Trauma *Incidents that attract Media Coverage *Natural Disasters *Fire; loss of home or business *Serious Injury/Death of Emergency Response Personnel * Serious Injury/Death resulting from an Emergency and or Accident *Incidents where Emergency Personnel may need to be removed from a Scene *Interpersonal Situations such as Domestic Assault, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse etc *Bridging the Gap between School Social Worker and St. Louis County *Any Incident that is Charged with High/Profound emotion, Unusual Circumstances, and Incidents where the Sights, Sounds and Smells were so Distressing; A high Level of Immediate or Delayed Emotional Reaction was Experienced Key Elements for Success Front-end support of leadership from St. Louis County and the City of Duluth Police Department Involvement of both agencies in the interview process Inclusion of the scheduled officer ride-a-long (as part of the joint interview process) Hiring the right candidate with a particular skill set ensuring the individual has a strong mix of street smarts and mental health crisis training Having an experienced officer (or officers) passionate about mental health who has also had Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) work directly with the embedded social worker Getting agreement on program funding source(s) 8

9 (4) Overall Impact Below are some noteworthy outcomes of the first six months of the embedded social worker in DPD program: Eliminating the need to use force in many situations that might otherwise have resulted in the use of force or handcuffs Getting individuals in for an evaluation to better address their mental health concerns and/or discuss use (or the lack of use) of medications Moving children out of an unsafe environment and providing ongoing case management for individuals with mental health issues Providing follow-up with individuals e.g. those being released from jail connecting them to financial and/or employment services Connecting individuals with community resources from which they could benefit Forming trust with individuals suffering from mental illness and their families Serving as a communication link between law enforcement and adult mental health services St. Louis County would like to celebrate these joint accomplishments by formally recognizing the Duluth Police Department s innovative and collaborative effort to better serve individuals with mental health issues. 9